Parno's Destiny: The Black Sheep of Soulan: Book Two Read Free

almost daily against the Nor advance. Casualties had been very heavy as well.
    He read the letter through, his face growing pale as the impact of the orders hit him. He looked up at Brock, who remained stone faced, then back to the letter, reading it again. Finally, with a long held breath rushing out, he sat heavily in his chair.
    “I. . .I don’t. . . .” he trailed off, unable to find the words.
    “I know,” Brock nodded. “I was the same way. But the evidence is. . .well, it’s true.”
    “What do you need from me?” Davies asked.
    “The Prince’s Own must be contained until this is over,” Brock said simply. “I realize that your forces are strained, but I can’t have them interfering. Understand?” Davies nodded.
    “I have sufficient forces to. . .to ensure that they aren’t an issue,” he informed the Inspector. “I would never have imagined. . . .”
    “None of us would have,” Brock’s face was hard. “But the facts are there, plain and simple.”
    “Who’s to take command of the Army?” Davies asked.
    “Parno McLeod,” Brock said flatly. Davies’ face flushed.
    “You can’t be serious!” His tone bordered on disbelief, if not outright derision.
    “Watch how you say that, General,” Brock warned. “And be aware that Prince Parno, with a command of less than five thousand men, most of them militia and prisoners, defeated a Nor army numbering at least fifty thousand strong just days ago at Cumberland Gap.”
    “He did?” Davies’ face showed its shock. “I assumed that the forces from 1 st Corp-”
    “Arrived in time to clean up the field, nothing more,” Brock said firmly. “It seems that the Black Sheep Prince is something of a lion on the battlefield,” he almost grinned. Almost.
    “When will he arrive?” Davies asked.
    “He’s on his way now I’m given to understand, but that’s not my problem,” Brock shrugged. “My problem is Therron McLeod. And his regiment. And his personality cult.”
    “This news will end his personality cult,” Davies said grimly, holding the dispatch he’d been given in his hand. “No one will follow him now.”
    “Are you sure of that, General?” Brock asked. “I’m not. Nor is His Majesty. Hence the need for. . .discretion.”
    “What do I tell the others, then?” Davies asked.
    “Prince Therron is ill,” Brock shrugged. “He isn’t aware of how ill just yet, but that’s my concern. He’ll be taken back to Nasil where the King will deal with him as is necessary. That’s all I know. All I need to know.” There was a finality in his tone that almost dared Davies to challenge him on that point.
    “Very well,” Davies refused the challenge. “Give me an hour and I’ll have troops in place to deal with the Prince’s Own. Will that be sufficient?”
    “It will,” Brock nodded. “I’ll take care of the rest. Per the King’s order, you’re in command until Prince Parno arrives. You have his full confidence and support. His own words.”
    “Please extend my thanks to His Majesty,” Davies bowed his head humbly. “Now, I have arrangements to make.”
    *****
    Therron McLeod looked up crossly from his desk as General Brock entered his tent without announcement or permission. He was followed by four of his own men,
    “Even the Inspector General is required to observe protocol, Brock,” Therron all but snarled.
    “I’m about to,” Brock said firmly. “Prince Therron McLeod, by order of the King, Tammon McLeod, you are relieved of your duties as Lord Marshall of the Armies of Soulan and will return with me at once to Nasil, where you will await the King’s pleasure.” Brock motioned his men forward without waiting for a reply.
    “What is the meaning of this!” Therron shot to his feet. “Guards!”
    “Save your breath, your treacherous swine,” Brock snarled. “Your men are nowhere near, and in no shape to come to your assistance. Come quietly and leave with some dignity and respect intact, or you can allow